Target Audience:
Professional automotive technicians and knowledgeable DIY enthusiasts seeking comprehensive repair and maintenance information.
Accuracy:
Endeavored to ensure accuracy; aims to provide the most reliable information.
Completeness:
Complete Service Manual containing all necessary instructions for any repair.
Dealer Equivalence:
Includes many specifications and procedures available in an authorized dealer service department.
Cost Savings:
Enables users to save money by performing maintenance and repairs themselves, avoiding shop labor and overhead costs.
Engine:
Comprehensive repair and overhaul, including disassembly and reassembly, tune-ups, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Comprehensive repair and overhaul, including disassembly and reassembly.
Electrical:
Detailed coverage of the electrical system, including wiring diagrams, component testing, and troubleshooting.
Body:
Coverage for body repairs and procedures.
Chassis:
Implied coverage through suspension, steering, and brake system details (common in workshop manuals of this era).
Brakes:
Coverage of brake system components, including master cylinder, power booster, calipers, pads, wheel cylinders, shoes, and parking brake.
Suspension:
Detailed information on front and rear suspension systems, including shock absorbers, springs, ball joints, control arms, and bushings.
Steering:
Coverage of the steering system, including steering gear, power steering pump, hoses, and linkage.
Wheels Tires:
Specifications for wheel bolt patterns, tire sizes, and inflation pressures. Likely covers wheel bearing service.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, servicing, and tune-ups.
Repair:
Detailed diagnostic and repair procedures for various components and systems.
Removal Installation:
Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing components and assemblies.
Disassembly Reassembly:
Comprehensive procedures for disassembling and reassembling major vehicle components, including the engine and transmission.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and troubleshooting procedures to help identify and resolve common vehicle problems.
Depth:
Advanced diagnostic and repair procedures, suitable for professional technicians, including proprietary component manufacturer instructions.
Special Tools:
References to special tools required for specific adjustments or repairs, often with Dodge special tool numbers and illustrations.
Torque Specifications:
Includes critical torque specifications for fasteners to ensure proper assembly and prevent component damage.
Engine Options:
Information likely covers V6 and V8 engines common in the Dodge Ram series of this era. Specific engine displacements (e.g., 3.9L V6, 5.2L V8, 5.9L V8) would be detailed in the manual.
Horsepower Torque:
Specific figures would be detailed in the manual for each engine variant.
Fuel Delivery:
Coverage includes fuel system components, likely detailing electronic fuel injection (EFI) systems and associated components such as fuel pumps, injectors, and pressure regulators.
Tune Up Procedures:
Detailed procedures for engine tune-ups, including spark plug replacement, ignition timing, and idle speed adjustments.
Lubrication System:
Comprehensive information on the lubrication system, including oil type, capacity, filter specifications, and oil change procedures.
Coolant Specifications:
Likely includes recommended coolant type and mixture ratios, as well as radiator, thermostat, and water pump service.
Engine Identification:
The manual would detail how to identify specific engines via VIN or engine block codes.
Transmission Types:
Information likely covers both manual (e.g., NV3500, NV4500) and automatic (e.g., A500, A518) transmissions common to the W150 platform.
Transmission Features:
Details on specific transmission models, including gear ratios, shift points, and fluid requirements.
Transmission Fluid:
Specifications for transmission fluid type (e.g., ATF+4 for automatics, gear oil for manuals), capacity, and service intervals.
Transmission Identification:
Procedures to identify specific transmission models (e.g., A518, NV4500) would be included.
Body Style:
2-door Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
Curb Weight:
Specific curb weights vary by configuration but typically ranged from approximately 4,500 to 5,500 lbs.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
GVWR would be specified in the manual, typically around 6,000-7,000 lbs for W150 models.
Seatbelts:
Standard lap and shoulder belts.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag was optional or became standard during this period, likely covered in the manual.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes are standard for this era. ABS was often an option and would be detailed.
Audio System:
Factory radio systems of the era, likely cassette players with AM/FM radio. Manual covers basic troubleshooting and speaker replacement.
Cruise Control:
Optional feature for many models, the manual would detail its operation and common service points.
HVAC System:
Manual details operation and common maintenance for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, including refrigerant types (R12 or R134a transition).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. Manual will specify exact intervals.
Tune Up Interval:
Recommendations for spark plug replacement, air filter, and fuel filter would be at intervals like 30,000-60,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
Likely SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40, with specific API service classifications detailed in the manual.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a green or yellow coolant of the period, in a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Problems:
Potential issues could include: transmission problems (especially overdrive unit in automatics), aging electrical components, rust on the body and frame, and wear in suspension and steering components. The manual will guide diagnosis and repair.
Filter Part Numbers:
The manual would contain specific part numbers for oil filters, air filters, and fuel filters for various engine configurations.
Dodge Trucks:
Dodge has a long history of producing robust trucks and SUVs, with the Ram lineage dating back decades.
Ramcharger Lineage:
The Ramcharger was a body-on-frame SUV built on Dodge's truck platforms, known for its capability and ruggedness.
Production Period:
The Ramcharger was produced in various generations, with the second generation (1974-1993) encompassing the years covered by this manual. The 1994 model year often marked a transition or the final year for certain configurations before a redesign.